Thanks in no small part to Houstonís dominant run blocking, Ward got 6.3 YPC in limited action last season, but heís 31 and will have to battle Ben Tate to be the Texansí RB2. Tate is the favorite, but heís coming off major knee surgery, so Ward shouldnít be totally ignored. If Ward wins the backup job, heís a must own because heíll then be just one injury away from possessing serious fantasy value.

2010

Ward struggled after leaving the Giantsí
strong blocking unit and joining Tampa Bay, as
his YPC fell from 5.6 in 2008 to 3.6 last season.
He battled injuries and watched Carnell
Williams outperform him. Still, Williams had
missed 22 games combined the previous two
seasons, and it was the first time he appeared in
16 contests during his five-year career, so he
remains one of the bigger health risks in the
NFL. Ward is getting paid starterís money and
saw twice as many goal-line carries (four to
two) as Williams in 2009. Ward also sports a
4.7 YPC career mark and can be a weapon as a
receiver, so donít forget about him.

2009

Despite playing second fiddle to Brandon Jacobs, Ward totaled 1,409 yards last season in New York. His 5.6 YPC mark led the NFL (minimum 100 rushes). Ward also impressed before succumbing to injury in 2007, so last year was hardly a fluke. Heíll be 29 when the season starts, but with 342 career carries, heís got fresh legs. Ward has excellent cutback ability and is a terrific receiver out of the backfield.
The Bucs signed him to a four-year, $17 million deal during the offseason, which means he should get the majority of touches in Tampa Bay. Warrick Dunn was released, Carnell Williams might soon follow suit, and Earnest Graham is a solid yet unspectacular option. The Bucs have a shaky quarterback situation, but their offensive line is one of the most underrated units in the league. Wardís likely to be part of a committee, but heís earning starterís money and is easily the most talented back on Tampa Bayís roster. While running behind the Giantsí fierce offensive line contributed to his past success, Ward can certainly excel as the Bucsí lead back as well.

2008

Ward was effective last season filling in for Brandon Jacobs, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns last year. Ward's strong, compact build makes him a good goal-line runner as he's able to move the pile. He's also a good receiver, hauling in 26 receptions last year. If anything happens to the injury-prone Brandon Jacobs, Ward could be highly productive in tandem with Ahmad Bradshaw in the the Giants' first-rate running scheme.

2007

Ward will battle Ahmad Bradshaw for the right to back up Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns at running. Ward's a tough runner with a low center of gravity, but he's a long shot to have a major role.

2006

While Ward won't see much action as long as Tiki Barber, and goal line specialist Brandon Jacobs are healthy, were Barber to go down, the Giants might turn to Ward, an athletic power runner, ahead of Jacobs.

2005

Ward will try to make the team as the fourth string running back behind Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs and Mike Cloud.

2004

Ward, who dominated NAIA competition as a senior, gives the Giants some depth at running back.